Arjuna – Best Herb for Heart Care

• Latin Name: Terminalia arjuna
• English Name: Arjuna
• Sanskrit / Indian Name: Arjuna, Arjuna, Kakubha, Nadisarj, Koha

Terminalia Arjuna tree

Terminalia arjuna is a tree up to 25 meter hight. It grows along the river banks, plains of northern India.bark grey, smooth; leaves sub-opposite, 5–14 × 2–4.5 cm., oblong or elliptic oblong, glabrous, often inequilateral, margin often crenulate, apex obtuse or sub-acute, base rounded or sometimes cordate; petioles 0.5–1.2cm; glands usually two. Flowers small, white. Fruit 2.3–3.5 cm long, fibrous woody, glabrous with 5 hard wings, striated with numerous curved veins. Flowering time April–July in Indian conditions. Seeds hard germination 50–76 days (50–60%). Species – There are over 100 species widely distributed in the tropics Terminalia originated from Latin ward Terminus, alluding to the leaves being borne on the tips of the shoots). In India, Terminalia chebula, T. bellrica and T. ciliata are major related species.

Properties

Terminalia arjuna unique herbal remedy for various heart problems. Due to its cardioprotective role, it is being used in Ayurveda since 2500 B.C. and has remarkable cardioprotective, heart muscle strengthening properties.

Chemical Constituents of Terminalia Arjuna

Terminalia arjuna bark is rich in many natural ingredients useful for heart problems.Current scientific research has proved that Arjuna contains specific medically active constituents namely triterpine glycosides like arjunetosides I, II, III, IV, arjunine and arjunetin.

1. It contains a lot of flavones (natural Anti-oxidants). Recently Arjunone has been isolated from fruits alongs with cerasidin, b-sitosterol, friedlin, methyl oleanolate, gallic, ellagic and arjunic acids. These are all useful components to take care of the heart naturally.
2. The bark is rich in saponnins, natural anti-oxidants (flavonoids-arjunone, arjunolone, leteilin) gallic acid, ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium,zinc and copper.
3. Regular use of Terminalia arjuna improves pumping activity of heart, improves cardiac muscle strength, decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.
4. Bark of Arjuna tree has been found to be rich in Co-enzyme Q-10 which is highly prescribed in cardiology departments now a days to prevent heart problems. Co-Q 10 is required by heart muscle for its energy requirements. The levels of Co-Q 10 decrease significantly after the age of 35 and Terminalia arjuna can provide natural Co-Q 10 in high amount. High amounts of Co-enzyme Q-10 prevents incident of heart attacks. It has been reported to possess protective cardiovascular and hypolipidemic properties.

Terminalia Arjuna Herbal Products

Arjun Tea (Natural Co-Q 10 for your heart)

Arjun Tea is the combination of purely herbal ingredients described in ancient Ayurvedic texts as the most effective treatment for blood pressure and heart problems. It is the safest choice to the problems like hypertension, high cholesterol, fatigue, blocked coronary arteries.Arjun Tea is made keeping in mind pure Ayurvedic ways of healing. The product comprises of safe herbs that are used in Ayurveda since times immemorial. Ayurveda-The ancient Indian healing system has been into practice in India for more than 5000 years. Utilizing herbs, minerals, proper nutrition, purification and above all, affirmative ways of living.

The concept of Arjun Tea is based on preparation described in Ayurvedic texts as “Ksheer Pak” i.e. boiling the herbs in milk and water to get both water soluble and fat soluble liquid extracts from the herbs to get maximum benefits.

Benefits of Arjun Tea

• Provides nutrition to heart as it is rich in natural Co-enzyme Q 10 (1 cup contains approx. 25-30 mg Co-Q 10)
• Maintains cholesterol levels, Controls Blood Pressure
• Improves pumping capacity of the heart
• Rich in natural Anti-oxidants
• Gives strength to heart muscles and strengthens vascular system
• It tones up and strengthens heart muscle and arterial system
• It is a Nicotine/Caffeine free herbal tea to take care of above mentioned problems and that too without any side effects.
• Delicious and exotic taste makes it easy to consume.
• All these benefits without any side effects
• The product contains no preservatives and contains only herbs

Total Heart Support (Herbal Heart Care Remedies)

This product has its roots in Ayurveda-ancient herbal healthcare system of India. According to Ayurveda the balance of 3 energies- Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Kinetic, Thermal and Potential energy) in the body is a disease free state whereas their imbalance causes diseases. The herbs in this product act synergistically to control “Vata” and “Pitta”. According to Ayurveda “Vata” and “Pitta” are considered responsible for blood pressure, stress, anxiety and heart problems.

Herbs in Total Heart Support

Total Heart Support is purely a herbal product without any chemicals added into it. The ingredients are frequently used in Ayurvedic system of medicine since 5,000 B.C. without any side effects.

Ingredients in Total Heart Support

S. No.	Herb Used	Latin Name	Quantity
1.	Arjuna	Terminalia arjuna	200 mg
2	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	100 mg
3.	Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	100 mg
4.	Shankhpushpi	Convolvulus pluricaulis	100 mg

1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

The bark of this tree is used in Ayurveda for prevention and treatment of many heart problems like angina, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol and blood pressure. Extensive research has lead to discovery of cardiac glycosides in the bark and naturally occurring Co-Enzyme Q 10, which is really important nutraceutical for proper functioning of heart muscle. It gives strength to ailing heart and controls the cholesterol levels. Termainlia arjuna is thus one of the most effective herbal heart care remedies.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is also commonly known as ‘Indian ginseng’. It is a unique herb with multiple functions. It contains active components like ‘Withanolides’ and ‘Withaferin’ which are very beneficial for nervous system. The herb also possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It is especially useful in diabetics and blood pressure people as it also controls diabetes and blood pressure. It relieves stress, anxiety and enhances physical and mental performance naturally. Stress leads to hypertension and heart problems. Therefore Ashwagandha is a natural herbal heart care remedy that controls blood pressure, anxiety and stress to indirectly benefit in heart problems.

3. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

The herb ‘Brahmi’ is used in Ayurveda since ages for loss in memory, lack of concentration, forgetfulness. It increases the retention power as well as recollection. It is very useful in many mental illnesses also. Regular use also helps in stress, anxiety, blood pressure, hallucinations and epilepsy. Regular use of this herb improves mental ability and cognition.

4. Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

This beautiful white flowered plant really enhances the mind ability to recollect and remember the things in a very effective manner. It relieves mental stress, controls blood pressure and also improves mind’s ability. People in India are using this herb for centuries for their children to improve their memory especially during exams.

Herbal Remedies for Heart Care

Planet Ayurveda provides best combination of effective herbal remedies such as Heart Care Pack for Ayurvedic treatment of heart diseases. These herbal remedies are prepared from using best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda. All these herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda are 100 percent pure, natural and vegetarian. These are free from chemicals, additives and preservatives. These are safe to use as these are free from side effects.

DOSAGE

1. Arjuna Capsules – 1 Capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.
2. Arjun Tea – 1 Cup daily.
3. Total Heart Support – 2 Capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
4. Gotu Kola Capsules – 1 Capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

Products Description

1. Arjuna Capsules

Arjun tree is a panacea remedy in cardiovascular problems. Arjuna capsules are made from Terminalia arjun bark extract. The extract contains acids (arjunic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid and terminic acid), glycosides (arjunetin, arjunine, arjunetosides I, II, III, IV) and strong antioxidants such as flavons (arjunone, arjunolone, leteilin), tannins, oligomeric and proanthocyanidins, some minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc and copper. It also possesses anti-ischemic properties.

Benefits:-

Very useful in treating ischemic heart diseases. It brings down high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides levels. It is also used to treat diabetes as adjuvant to other diabetes supplements and deep vein thrombosis.

2. Arjun Tea

Arjun tea not only lowers blood pressure and high cholesterol levels but also strengthens heart muscles. Arjun tea contains natural flavonoids, antioxidants cardiac glycosides and it is rich in natural Co-enzyme Q 10 which make this tea very effective in treating heart ailments. Terminalia arjuna bark extract is a panacea remedy for cardiovascular and circulatory ailments.

Benefits:-

Arjun tea effectively treats fatigue, blocked arteries, cardiovascular ailments, circulatory ailments and congestive heart failure. It improves pumping capacity of heart by providing strength to heart muscles and by strengthening the vascular system. It tones up and strengthens the arterial system. It corrects bone density. Some heart related ailments such as angina, myocardial infarction, mitral regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, heart attack, coronary artery diseases and ventricular failure can be treated effectively by drinking arjun tea. It also regulates pitta and hence controls anger, frustration, aggression and nervousness.

3. Total Heart Support

The prime ingredient is Arjun bark extract along with extract of Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Shankhpushpi. Ashwagandha, strengthen the nerves by calming it down. Brahmi and Shankhpushpi are diuretic, cardiac, nervine and general tonic. Total heart support improves heart functions and supports healthy blood pressure. These herbs balance disturbed vata and pitta in the body which are responsible for stress, blood pressure, anxiety, nervousness and heart ailments.

Benefits:-

It is very effective in treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blocked coronary arteries, angina, myocardial infarction, breathlessness and congestive heart failure. Arjuna extract strengthens the heart muscles. The formula also detoxifies the arteries of blockages if any. Brahmi and Shankhpushi has anti-anxiety properties as it relieves stress and anxiety.

4. Gotu Kola Capsules

Gotukola capsule is a patent formulation by Planet Ayurveda. It is a single herbal formulation which contacts standard extract of gotukola (Centella asiatica). They are 100% pure & natural and prepared by following the ancient ayurveda principles under the guidence of MD ayurveda experts.

Benefits:-

Gotukola helps in reducing high cholesterol levels in the body and aids in improving the overall health of the heart. GotuKola helps in proper flow of blood to the heart and also helps in improving the healthy blood circulation.

Uses of Heart Care Pack

• This makes perfect combination of best heart care remedies.
• Reduces the effects of stress and nervousness on the heart
• Possesses diuretic and a general tonic effect in cases of liver cirrhosis
• Has prostaglandin enhancing and coronary risk modulating properties
• Enhances the elimination of cholesterol by accelerating the turnover of LDL-cholesterol in the liver
• Lowers beta-lipoprotein lipids and the recovery of HDL components in hyperlipidemia
• Promotes effective cardiac functioning by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol
• Relieves hypertension

Feedback

I am really impressed by the information you have put on your website. Keep posting authentic literature like this. – Dr. Iva Keprosky, Bulgaria

I thank you for your timely delivery of the products which I ordered for my husband. He has shown a great improvement in his breathlessness symptoms. Thanks for all your help ! – Dogma-Tibet

I tried your Arjun tea and it really helped a lot in bringing the lipids level under control. I plan to continue this tea forever- George- California

I really liked the information you have given at your website. It helped me a lot in learning a lot about cholesterol and heart problems. I am a medical student in Tehran and I recommend your products to some of my acquaintances- Tariq keshwarzi- Tehran- Iran

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I used your Arjun tea regularly for 1 month and it did a miracle to my cholesterol. It fell down like it was never before ! – Thank you so much !- Regupathy- Sri Lanka

TERMINALIA ARJUNA AND ITS EFFECTS ON HEART PROBLEMS – RESEARCH PAPERS

The following clinical study depicts the role of Arjuna on its effect on cholesterol levels:

Jaipur, India – Researchers here compared the effects of Terminalia Arjuna tree bark with the heart-health benefits of vitamin E in a study published in February’s The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (49:231-5, 2001). In the one-month study, researchers reviewed 105 patients with coronary heart disease, none of whom were on lipid-lowering drugs. At baseline, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and HDL and LDL cholesterol were measured. Divided into three groups, group one received a placebo, group two received 400 IU of vitamin E per day and group three received 500 mg of finely pulverized bark powder. No significant changes were found in the placebo or vitamin E groups for total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, nor in triglyceride levels. However, in the tree bark group, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly lowered. Notably, lipid peroxidation decreased most significantly in the vitamin E users. The researchers, based at the Monilek Hospital and Research Center here, concluded that Terminalia Arjuna tree bark powder proved to have a significant cholesterol lowering effect.

Terminalia arjuna reverses impaired endothelial function in chronic smokers
Alternative Medicine Review, Dec, 2004 by A. Bharani, L.K. Ahirwar, N. Jain

Bharani A, Ahirwar LK, Jain N. Indian Heart J 2004;56:123-128.

Background: Smoking, largely through increased oxidative stress, causes endothelial dysfunction which is an early key event in atherosclerosis. Smoking cessation and antioxidant vitamin therapy are shown to have beneficial role by restoring altered endothelial physiology. The present study was aimed to determine whether Terminalia arjuna, an Indian medicinal plant with potent antioxidant constituents, would improve endothelial dysfunction in smokers.

Methods and Results: Eighteen healthy male smokers (age 28.16+/-9.45 years) and equal number of age-matched non-smoker controls participated in the study. The baseline brachial artery reactivity studies were performed using high frequency ultrasound according to standard protocol under identical conditions to determine endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilation and endothelium-independent nitroglycerine-mediated dilation. The two groups were matched regarding age, body mass index, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, mean resting vessel diameters and post-occlusion flow velocities (all p = NS). While flow-mediated dilation was significantly impaired amongst smokers compared to controls (4.71+/-2.22 v. 11.75+/-5.94%, p <0.005), the nitroglycerine-mediated dilation was similar in the two groups (20.35+/-3.89 v. 19.68+/-3.74%, p = NS). Subsequently the smokers were given Terminalia arjuna (500 mg q8h) or matching placebo randomly in a double blind cross-over design for two weeks each, followed by repetition of brachial artery reactivity studies to determine various parameters including flow-mediated dilation after each period. There was no significant difference as regards vessel diameter and flow velocities between the two therapies. However, the flow-mediated dilation showed significant improvement from baseline values after Terrminalia arjuna therapy but not with placebo (9.31+/-3.74 v. 5.17+/-2.42%. p <0.005).

Conclusions: Smokers have impaired endothelium-dependent but normal endothelium-independent vasodilation as determined by brachial artery reactivity studies. Further, Terrminalia arjuna therapy for two weeks leads to significant regression of this endothelial abnormality amongst smokers.

More Research on Terminaia Arjuna

On the ethnomedical significance of the Arjun tree, Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Kumar DS, Prabhakar YS

Terminalia arjuna is an important cardiotonic plant described in the Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science. It is also believed to have the ability to care hepatic, urogenital, venereal and viral diseases. An attempt is made here to analyse the available drug recipes using this plant from Sanskrit literature in the light of modern scientific knowledge. The chemistry and pharmacology of T. arjuna are also discussed, and areas of future investigations are identified.

Antianginal and cardioprotective effects of Terminalia arjuna, an indigenous drug, in coronary artery disease. Dwivedi S Agarwal MP

The effect of bark powder of Terminalia arjuna, an indigenous drug, on anginal frequency, blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol was studied in 15 stable (Group A) and 5 unstable (Group B) angina patients before and 3 months after T. arjuna therapy. Tread mill test (TMT) and echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated in some cases. There was 50% reduction in anginal episodes in Group A cases (P < 0.01). TMT performance improved from moderate to mild changes in 5 patients and one with mild changes became negative for ischemia. The time to the onset of angina and appearance of ST-T changes on TMT after T. arjuna was delayed significantly. However, in patients with unstable angina there was an insignificant reduction in anginal frequency. These patients also needed diltiazem, B-blockers and nitroglycerine in addition to T. arjuna. The drug lowered systolic blood pressure and body mass index to a significant level (p < 0.05) and increased HDL-cholesterol only slightly along with marginal improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction in stable angina patients. There were no deleterious effects on liver or kidney functions. Our results suggest that monotherapy with T. arjuna is fairly effective in patients with symptoms of stable angina pectoris. However, it has a limited role in unstable angina.

Biochemical contents, their variation and changes in free amino acids during seed germination in Terminalia arjuna. Srivastava N, Prakash D, Behl H

The leaves, twigs, stem and bark of Terminalia arjuna were analysed for their protein, phenol, tannin, nitrate, oxalate in addition to vitamin C, anthocyanin and chlorophyll in the leaves. The variation of some of these parameters in the leaves with season and leaf position was also studied. The time course changes in amino acids and protein during seed germination in T. arjuna, showed initial decrease in protein followed by increase at subsequent stages. The seeds contain high level of serine (21.7%) and glutamic acid (22.6%) the later decreased as the germination progressed. After 30 days seeds showed higher amounts of serine (26.0%), valine (2.8%), proline (10.6%), methionine (3.4%), histidine (5.6%) and lysine (7.4%) while threonine, glutamic acid, tyrosine and arginine were in lower amounts than that of initial stage at 0 day.

Arjuna (TA) can help lower Cholesterol as much as 64% – After only 30 days, people taking TA saw their LDL levels plummet by an average of 25.6%. After 60 days, in animal studies lab subjects with extremely high blood fats, LDL levels dropped from 493 to 162. That’s a whopping 64 percent drop. Plus, HDL cholesterol (the good stuff) actually increased.

Reduces angina episodes much better than nitroglycerin – More than 6.2 million Americans suffer from angina right now and most are probably taking nitroglycerin pills for it. But over time nitroglycerin can become less effective. Big problem. So researchers decided to test the herb Arjuna against nitroglycerin. It worked better in every study. In one study, angina episodes were cut in half by the Arjuna , with none of the nasty side effects. Plus, TA can be used as long as you like, without fear it’ll stop working.

It’s been shown to help reverse hardening of the arteries – Here’s the most shocking fact of all: Although most Western doctors still haven’t heard of it, Arjuna has been used by herbal healers in India to treat heart trouble for an incredible 2,700 years. Nearly three millennia!

Efficacy of Terminalia arjuna in chronic stable angina: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study comparing Terminalia arjuna with isosorbide mononitrate – Abstract

Alternative Medicine Review, August, 2002 by A Bharani,  A Ganguli, LK Mathur, Bharani A, Ganguli A, Mathur LK, et al. Indian Heart J 2002;54:170-175.

Background: Terminalia arjuna, an Indian medicinal plant, has been reported to have beneficial effects in patients with ischemic heart disease in a number of small, open studies. The need for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with adequate sample size has long been felt. The bark extract (IPC-53) contains acids (arjunic acid, terminic acid), glycosides (arjunetin arjunosides I-IV), strong antioxidants (flavones, tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins), minerals, etc. and exhibits antifailure and anti-ischemic properties.

Methods and Results: Fifty-eight males with chronic stable angina (NYHA class II-III) with evidence of provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise test received Terminalia arjuna (500 mg 8 hourly), isosorbide mononitrate (40 mg/daily) or a matching placebo for one week each, separated by a wash-out period of at least three days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. They underwent clinical, biochemical and treadmill exercise evaluation at the end of each therapy which were compared during the three therapy periods. Terminalia arjuna therapy was associated with significant decrease in the frequency of angina and need for isosorbide dinitrate (5.69+/6.91 mg/week v. 18.22+/-9.29 mg/week during placebo therapy, p<0.005). The treadmill exercise test parameters improved significantly during therapy with Terminalia arjuna compared to those with placebo. The total duration of exercise increased (6.14+/-2.51 min v. 4.76+/-2.38 min, p<0.005), maximal ST depression during the longest equivalent stages of submaximal exercise decreased (1.41+/-0.55 mm v. 2.21+/-0.56 mm, p<0.005), time to recovery decreased (6.49+/-2.37 rain v. 9.27+/3.39 min, p<0.005) and higher double products were achieved (25.75+/-4.8 1×10(3) v. 23.11+/-4.83×10(3), p<0.005) during Terminalia arjuna therapy. Similar improvements in clinical and treadmill exercise test parameters were observed with isosorbide mononitrate compared to placebo therapy. No significant differences were observed in clinical or treadmill exercise test parameters when Terminalia arjuna and isosorbide mononitrate therapies were compared. No significant untoward effects were reported during Terminalia arjuna therapy.

Conclusions: Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy. These benefits were similar to those observed with isosorbide mononitrate (40 mg/day) therapy and the extract was well tolerated. Limitations of this study include applicability of the results to only men with chronic stable angina but not necessarily to women, as they were not studied.

Role of Terminalia arjuna in ischaemic mitral regurgitation
Alternative Medicine Review, June, 2005 by S. Dwivedi, A. Aggarwal, M.R. Agarwal, S. Rajpal

Dwivedi S, Aggarwal A, Agarwal MR Rajpal S. Int J Cardiol 2005;100:507-508.

The bark powder of Terminalia arjuna, an indigenous plant has been found to have antianginal, decongestive and hypolipidemic effect. We planned a study to evaluate the role of T. arjuna in ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). 40 patients with fresh AMI showing IMR were randomly divided into 2 groups of 20 each. They were given placebo or 500 mg of T. arjuna in addition to anti-ischemic treatment. After 1 and 3 months of follow up, patients receiving adjuvant T. arjuna showed significant decrease in IMR, improvement in E/A ratio and considerable reduction in anginal frequency.